Your iPhone Will Soon be Able to Replicate Your Voice After 15 Minutes of Training
Apple has recently announced a range of new accessibility tools for their iPhone and iPad, with one notable feature being the ability to replicate a user’s voice for phone calls after just 15 minutes of training.
This innovative tool, called Personal Voice, allows users to read text prompts to record audio, enabling the technology to learn and mimic their unique voice.
In conjunction with this, a related feature named Live Speech will utilize the synthesized voice to audibly read the user’s typed text during phone calls, FaceTime conversations, and even in-person interactions. Additionally, individuals will have the option to save frequently used phrases for convenience during live conversations.
These accessibility tools are part of Apple’s broader efforts to make their devices more inclusive for people with cognitive, vision, hearing, and mobility disabilities.
Specifically, individuals who experience conditions leading to a gradual loss of their voice, such as ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), are expected to benefit greatly from these advancements.
Sarah Herrlinger, Apple’s senior director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives, emphasized the company’s commitment to accessibility, stating that these groundbreaking features were developed in collaboration with feedback from members of disability communities.
The aim is to support a diverse range of users and facilitate new ways for people to connect with one another.
Apple has announced that these features will be rolled out later this year, bringing enhanced accessibility to their devices.
While these tools have the potential to address genuine needs and improve accessibility, their introduction coincides with growing concerns about the misuse of artificial intelligence in the form of convincing fake audio and video, commonly referred to as “deepfakes.” These deepfakes have raised alarms regarding potential scams and misinformation.
However, Apple remains focused on ensuring the positive impact of their accessibility tools, prioritizing the support and connectivity of their users while addressing any related concerns.
